You are here

Exclusive – Brooking: England must not lose against Ukraine

Trevor Brooking has warned England that defeat to Ukraine will leave their hopes of making the 2014 World Cup in Brazil hanging by a thread.

The Three Lions moved to the top of their qualifying group following a 4-0 win over Moldova but, with a tough run-in, a loss to their opponents in Kiev could see them battling for second spot, which would see Roy Hodgson’s men face a play-off tie.

The FA’s director of football development told the Weekend Sports Breakfast: “No one needs to highlight that Ukraine are an extremely good side. They’re getting better.

“We’ve got to go there but we must not lose because I am pretty sure they will win their last two games and they would then top the group [if they beat England]. We’ve got to draw or win.

“It is one of those crunch games. It’s good that we go into it on the back of a good performance.”